As parents, we are our children’s most important support system most especially if you have a child dealing with Sensory Processing Disorders or SPD. Get some easy tips below for suggestions and fun activities you can do with your sensory-challenged child.

Raising a child with a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can be challenging. Due to their sensitive nature and the simple fact that their brain is not “wired” the same way that most children are, it takes a lot of patience and effort and HEAPS of patience when dealing with a child struggling with SPD.

The PSB team understands the everyday obstacles that parents with SPD children face. And we’re here to say, “Don’t give up, Mum!” and “Keep going, Dad!”. It may not be easy but with the right attitude and armed with the right tools, you are the best help that your child can get.

But first, let’s start with the basics.

What exactly is SPD? How do experts describe it?

There are a multitude of definitions out there but the PSB team has agreed that the simplest and easiest to understand is from familydoctor.org:

“Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how your brain processes sensory information. Sensory information includes things you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. Most often this processing disorder means that you are too sensitive to typical sensory information. But the disorder can cause the opposite effect, too. In these cases, it takes more sensory information to impact you at all.”

Furthermore, famlydoctor.org discusses that:

“SPD is usually associated with children. But adults also can have symptoms of SPD. For adults who have SPD, it is likely that these symptoms have existed for them since childhood. Most adults with SPD will develop coping mechanisms (ways to deal with SPD). These coping mechanisms help them fit in. They make SPD less recognizable.”

Did you know that SPD is, in fact, not an official diagnosis?

Doctors and health professionals still debate over the argument – Is SPD a “real disorder”? Some doctors are in the opinion that they symptoms of SPD are simply common behavioral characteristics of children. That yes, if the child is sleepy, they will tend to have tantrums or if the child is uncomfortable, then they will tend to withdraw and shy away from other children their age. Some doctors further argue that some children are just more sensitive than others. Others experts are also in the opinion that the symptoms associated with SPD are actually an effect of other “valid” disorders such as Autism, ADHD, or Anxiety.

However, we at the PSB team believe, that there are an overwhelming number of children who do have great difficulty in handling “normal” sensory functions and stimuli as compared to other children. Still, it’s our responsibility to declare that, to date, SPD is not recognised as an official medical disorder.

Still, the PSB Team believes that SPD is indeed real and many children and adults require our help and support.

Regardless of the debate between doctors over SPD, the PSB team are firm believers that and agree with pioneering occupational therapist, educational psychologist, and neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres, PhD, who “likened SPD to a neurological “traffic jam” that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly.”

A person with SPD cannot chew a sandwich, read a book, interact in a social situation, or complete any number of ordinary tasks without encountering certain challenges that can usually be overwhelming. According to the Star Institute, “A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks. Motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, and many other problems may impact those who do not have effective treatment.”

As parents and primary caregivers, what can we do to properly provide support to our loved ones with SPD?

Here are some practical suggestions from Team PSB:

1. First, we are going to start with the most practical advice: You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Many parents of children with SPD or any caregivers for adults with SPD may find that offering support requires actually offering most of their time and presence. While your physical presence is absolutely necessary, you may feel overworked and exhausted to a certain point.

Maybe you found this article because you’d like to know how you can cope with supporting a loved one with SPD. Well, we’re here to tell you that you may also just need time for yourself, to breathe, to go out, to be kid-free and responsibility-free, even for just a little while.

It may not always be easy, but try to see if you have a local facility in your area that can provide daily care for your child while you take some time for yourself. You can do a quick Google search to see what’s available.

You can also contact a close friend or family member to look after your child while you find time for yourself. If you know of a licensed caregiver or anyone qualified to look after your child, then so much the better!

As we know, children with SPD do not do so well in new environments. If they can be cared for at home while you find time for yourself, that’s the best arrangement.

Once you’ve had time to breathe, you’ll feel so much better and ready to face on another day.

2. Create a sensory room.

Sensory rooms are our expertise! We fully recommend for you to create a DIY sensory room in your house. You can even create a small sensory hallway if you’re short on space.

Sensory rooms are great calming spaces for children or adults with SPD. You can start small. Just fill in a space with calming sensory lights, and some sensory toys then you have a space that’s specially designed to calm tantrums down, soothe and relax.

3. Arm yourself with the necessary calming tools to help your child relax when they are over or under stimulated.

Children with SPD need special tools to calm them down. Always be prepared with your own “bag of tricks”. Weighted blankets are handy for providing comfort to a child who craves being squeezed. Likewise, weighted toys can add stimulation, and a sense of security. Weighted toys are especially great because they look like any other cuddly teddy bear but with the added therapeutic features. A quick visit to Google can give you an amazing host of resources for sensory toys and tools.

4. Keep calm.

Sometimes, when we watch children in distress or simply stressed out, we also get stressed ourselves. Our team here would like to constantly remind parents of children with SPD to always, ALWAYS keep calm and remember that children struggling with sensory issues are unable to process sensory responses as well as others their age.

We may also get impatient or irritated when we compare them to others. We may ask ourselves why our children are this way and if there are any long-term treatments for SPD. Again, keep calm, be patient and remember that children are made just the way that they should be. We can never compare one child to another, no matter how difficult it gets.

5. Build a network of SPD parents and support groups.

You can start by simply searching on Facebook for support groups for sensory processing disorders. You’ll find several in your local area. Join up and then meet up! You can also ask your local health facility or even your child’s school for any support groups you can join – you’ll find that meeting parents that have the same challenges as you will help lighted the load and help you get inspiration when you need it the most. Your child can also meet with other children with the same experiences. Play dates are always a wonderful way to introduce your child to safe social settings.

6. Talk to teachers, caregivers and anyone who may be responsible for caring for your child.

Always keep an open line of communication with all individuals who will care for your child. Especially if your child attends regular school. Most teachers should be familiar enough with the situation but some may not. It’s best to discuss with them and help them understand that your child may respond differently to certain situations. You can provide the teacher with their own sensory kit or have them keep a weighted blanket or toy in case any situation arises where it might be needed.

More importantly, always make sure you follow up with your child’s progress regularly. Knowing what they’re going through, how they are, what new challenges they’re facing, etc., will help you deal with them in a more effective manner.

If you’d like to discuss any of the points above, our lines are open. Feel free to give us a buzz. Should you wish to purchase any sensory items, have a look at our shop. You might see something you need.